Warming up...

We’ve almost leapt into Summer during the first few days of Spring, with beautiful sunny days on the Gold Coast and lots of holiday makers enjoying the beach. In the lead up to the warmer weather, remember to only swim between the flags where lifeguards have oversight of swimmers. The beaches are still recovering from Cyclone Alfred but there’s plenty of sun, surf and sand to enjoy.

It's critical to effectively plan to protect and enhance our coastal environment and lifestyle. Our Coastal Lifestyle Strategy 2050 aims to enhance the Gold Coast's coastal places, support sustainable city growth and safeguard our unique coastal lifestyle through continued management of coastal hazards.

Street trees

It is hard to believe we are approaching 2 years since the 2023 storm that caused so much damage and devastation in northern Gold Coast. Following the storm, 380 streets were inspected, and tree replacements assessed, but unfortunately Cyclone Alfred followed causing more damage to many mature trees.

The result of more recent inspections indicates that 72 parks throughout our area have been replanted, with 180 parks scheduled for replacement planting over the next six weeks. We will then be back on track for street tree planting and replacement as scheduled.

Digging holes and building ramps

I’m all for children playing outdoors which is a big part of growth, development and wellbeing for kids, but not at the expense of Council controlled land. Large holes were recently created, and ramps built in the Clydesdale Park area behind Hanoverian Way.

Please remind your children that we need to ensure our parkland is safe for everyone and that we have dedicated skate parks for BMX riders, skateboarding and scooters.

Rosemount Drive wildlife warning signage

Arrangements have been made to install new kangaroo warning signage on Rosemount Drive near the intersection with Waverley Drive to alert drivers of the presence of wildlife. Please remember to slow down in areas where there is a greater likelihood of wildlife.

Energex streetlights

Several reports of streetlights being out on Amity Way Coomera have been made to Energex since May of this year. At the time, Energex advised their hope to repair faulty streetlights as quickly as possible, however, faults are assessed on a case-by-case basis and prioritised in accordance with the level of failure.

I am assuming that a major repair is required due to the length of time which has elapsed, but this month, I again provided a reminder to Energex and maybe by the time you read this the lights will be working.

Graffiti management and prevention

Rapid removal of graffiti is known to be a deterrent and in the 2024-25 financial year, Council removed 6,356 instances of graffiti, at a cost of $701,855. It's good to see graffiti removal costs reducing over recent years, down from over $1 million per annum historically.

The urban art painting of utility boxes has helped - and retailers have assisted by making access to spray paint less accessible. Please continue to report graffiti so that it can be quickly removed.

Rate notice payment

Following the July rates notice being issued I received several emails asking why the option to pay 12 months in advance was removed. The annual payment grid was removed from rates notices from July 2025 as a part of a rationalisation to increase available space for other purposes into the future.

The removal of the option does not prevent one from paying rates annually in a single payment if preferred. To do this, you simply need to double the amount payable on your current notice, net of discount, and pay this amount using any of the payment channels listed on the reverse of the notice.

Coomera Springs State School footpath improvements

Construction of new paths near Coomera Springs State School start in the coming days. Improvements include a 500m long x 2.5m wide shared path along Old Coach Road, another path 335m long x 2m wide along Forest Oak Drive (45m), Birley Link (91m) and Bridie Drive (129m). 31 kerb ramps will follow together with the reconstruction of three residential and three industrial vehicle crossovers.

It’s a big project requiring service modifications, 30m of new path at the roundabout on the intersection of Old Coach Rd and Ellis Way, 20m of new path at the roundabout on the intersection of Rainlily Crescent and Waterclover Drive, and 20m of new path at the roundabout on the intersection of Dayflower Drive and Beachstar Avenue.

School drop off and pick up

Parking issues at school pick-up times are a problem right across the city. I’m encouraging parents to set the right example and never double-park or block driveways and be sure to follow the signage and school procedures when delivering your child to school.

The designated "Stop, Drop, and Go" zones are ideal – or perhaps park a little way from the school and enjoy a chat and walk with your child. The safety of our children is paramount so please be sure to think about your children’s safety, and drive and park accordingly.

Our Active School Travel program is a free tailored 3-year program for Gold Coast primary schools. Participating schools receive a suite of resources including free toolkits, incentives and support for students, parents, carers and teachers - Active travel is the best way to get to and from school on the Gold Coast. 

Contact me

Please continue to contact me regarding issues of interest or concern. Whatever the issue please call 07 5581 6598 or email division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au so that I can action your request.

You can also report urgent after-hour matters to Council on 1300 465 326.

It’s helpful when you alert me to things that require attention and raise issues of interest or concern with me, as it can be difficult to be across what’s happening throughout the entire area.

Newsletters archive

For previous editions, please contact my office.

Disclaimer

While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this newsletter is correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances may impact on the information provided.

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